The Alpha's Shape of Deception

on. The gentle rustle of leaves outside roused Lyra from her restless slumber in her bed. Situated on the western e

ched. She had long dark hair that fell in loose waves over her shoulders, a striking contrast t

rmined to be prepared for the meeting

she had salvaged from a nearby hamlet. Dried herbs hung neatly in bundles under the window, and a braided rug she had rescued from a nearby village covered the floor. Though it

ly held attention. He was a powerful figure with broad shoulders and a towering stature, but what most enthralled her were his icy-blue, piercing eyes.

nergy. Although Ryker's encounters were regular, this one felt unique for some reason. Even her remote area of the territ

hing. Although their relationship had not yet been fully established, he was her mate. She wanted to demonstrate her worth to him and her ability t

to the cool morning air. Ancient oaks covered the path to the packhouse, their branches intertwined like the stra

ausing her to freeze in mid-step. She had never heard anything like it before; it was eerie, resonant, and tinged with d

e wail subsided, there was a strange silence. Her fingers clenched around the hilt of the dag

free of the residual discomfort. This has to b

civilisation, towered above the Crescent Moon realm. Lyra entered the main hall, whic

close, contrasted sharply with his sharp blue eyes and strong jawline. He was a man of authority, dressed in leather

Ryker's gaze briefly locked with hers. Even as he focused on the others, she se

ions." Our boundaries are being tested by the rogues, and they will s

ety was evident. Talon Blackthorn, Ryker's Beta, advanced with a frown on his sharp face. "On the north

ng," Ryker stated in a sombre tone. "

and his voice held the weight of someone who knew the stakes. She wanted to say so

e, his self-assurance unflinching. Perhaps there was a challenge or a promise hidden in his

ame to an end. His voice was low enough for just

eavily on her. No one else was in

ng. Lyra stayed in the corner and watched Ryker talk to Talon, her mind racing. His stanc

ce gentler than she had anticipated. He gestured for her to foll

was lined with maps and weapons. Ryker stared at her while leaning on the t

k, Lyra paused. "This morning, I heard something. I've n

ws his brow

ndary," she stated. "It sounded cl

dispatch a patrol to look into it. We

faraway admirer. For as long as she could remember, she had aspired to be Luna, and her passion fo

piercing her daydream. "I still

re as she looked up. "I understand. I simply.

tated in a determin

ance. Talon came in, his face serious. "We have an issue, Alpha. A sizable conti

anging. He said, "Assemble the warriors

d them out of the room, her heart racing. The actual

the midday sun, creating lengthy shadows. The distant murmur of the woodland blended with the pungent tang of swea

e pack's most nimble fighters, was standing across from her. Celeste's silver hair was pulled back tightly, highlighting her

A mischievous smile tugged at

Lyra grinned. "You hope. Let's see if you

laughter in their voices, the assembled pack members stopped their drills to observe. They

ease, her motions deliberate and smooth. Celeste was forced to turn and deflec

ed and replie

r Celeste's arm as she made a feint to the left and then twisted to the right. It was a wa

a posed the question in a c